Permeable Paving: Smart, Sustainable Surfacing for Patios & Driveways
A practical guide to permeable pavements — what they are, why they matter and how Kegret paver systems can help you create a lasting, SUDS-friendly surface. 🌧️🌿
What is permeable paving — and why choose it?
At its simplest, what is permeable paving asks how surfaces let water through instead of shedding it. Traditional non permeable surfaces push rainwater into drains; by contrast, permeable pavements manage water at source — reducing runoff, helping groundwater recharge and supporting SUDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems).
If you've ever wondered what are permeable pavers, think of a family of options: from porous stone and permeable paving slabs to cellular pavers and grass block paver systems. They all help water infiltrate rather than flood. ✅
Types of permeable surfaces
- Permeable pavers patio & permeable paver patio — paved patios using permeable units or joints.
- Porous driveways & concrete permeable driveway — concrete blocks or slabs designed to be water-permeable.
- Grass pavement & grass block paver — vegetated option for low-traffic areas.
- Plastic paving, plastic paths & cellular paving/cellular pavers — modular, often recycled plastic grids that stabilise infill.
- Permeable concrete block paving — specialist blocks designed with high permeability.
Benefits of going permeable
Choosing eco paver and eco paving options means:
- Improved drainage & reduced ponding — perfect for suds paving and suds permeable paving schemes.
- Lower flood risk and less stress on sewer networks (great for a suds driveway design).
- Cleaner runoff, better infiltration and improved urban biodiversity.
Materials & jointing
Permeable surfaces are built from many permeable materials: permeable rock, porous concrete, recycled plastic grids and permeable paving slabs. The voids between units are often filled with specialised permeable paving jointing aggregate (washed, angular aggregate) to keep the system draining well.
For modular systems such as modular paving or blocked paved ramps, choose a resilient infill and correct sub-base depth so load-bearing performance matches your use — e.g. domestic car access vs. pedestrian-only plastic paths.
Kegret product notes — how we help
Kegret offers a range of products — from kegret paver units to kegret paving slabs — designed for easy installation and SUDS compliance. Our kegret block paving options come in practical block paving styles that balance aesthetics with permeability.
Installation snapshot
- Plan surface use and choose correct permeable materials.
- Prepare a free-draining sub-base and consider a cellular pavers or cellular paving system for heavy loads.
- Lay units, infill with permeable paving jointing aggregate and compact as recommended.
Common questions
- Is block paving permeable?
- It depends — is block paving permeable is answered by the block type and jointing: standard mortar-jointed block paving is often non permeable, whereas permeable concrete block paving or specially jointed systems are designed to let water through.
- Can I have a porous driveway?
- Yes — porous driveways use permeable blocks, cellular grids filled with permeable rock or grass pavement systems. Ensure correct sub-base design for longevity.
- How does SUDS relate to paving?
- SUDS permeable paving and suds paving are terms describing surfacing that contributes to Sustainable Drainage Systems. They manage water at source and are increasingly specified in planning.
Design inspiration & styles
From contemporary kegret paving slabs patios to traditional block paving styles, permeable options can be tailored to taste. Use contrasting infill for visual texture, or combine grass block paver runs for softer edges. For sloped access, consider properly-built blocked paved ramps with cellular support beneath.
Final thoughts — choosing the right solution
Whether you need a hardy concrete permeable driveway, decorative permeable paving slabs for a patio, or lightweight plastic paving for a pathway, the key is choosing materials and a build method suited to the load and use. If you’re unsure what are permeable pavers in your context, speak to a specialist installer or contact Kegret for product guidance.
Want help choosing? Contact Kegret — we’ll recommend the best eco paver and modular paving combinations for your project. ✉️